Performance dates will be February 15-25, 2018
Rehearsals will be on a limited basis until after the holidays.

Synopsis:
Flowers for Algernon, a beautiful, touching story that is universal in its message. This play offers actors strong, interesting characters to play and with a large cast there are opportunities for actors of all ages, including children!
This is the compelling story of Charlie, a mentally retarded man and the strange interweaving of his life with that of Algernon, a mouse. Experimental surgery has been performed on both Algernon and Charlie increasing their intelligences ten fold. Soon Charlie's intelligence far exceeds that of his teacher, Alice Kinnian and even the doctors who created the operating technique! As Charlie approaches the peak of his brilliance, Algernon shows frightening signs of regression. Soon things become a race against time in which Charlie tries to keep his new found intelligence long enough to save himself and thus continue what he and Alice have found. Will Charlie be able to save himself in time?!

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

The 2017 Community Players of Hobbs Board of Directors is proud to announce the new season! We received many exciting submissions from several talented directors, which made our jobs pretty difficult, but we persevered and are pleased to present the following slate of shows for 2018:

Flowers for Algernon by David Rogers, directed by Veronikka Sylvas, February 15-17, 23-25, 2018.

The board would like to thank everyone who submitted shows for the season for their hard work and impressive presentations. We believe these selections represent a variety of interests and genres and will provide joy to their casts, crews and audiences alike.

Sunday, October 22, 2017

A very special thanks to Jason Adams, one of our patrons who loved the haunt so much he came back a second night for more. If you’re wondering what to expect, his write up paints quite a picture. We love hearing from our patrons, whether they’ve been through the Haunt or enjoyed a play.

Haunted House Review
Community Players of Hobbs

You’d expect people who do makeup, build sets, make costumes, and act all year round to be able to put on a good haunted house, but this really exceeded anything I anticipated. This haunt is set up with two areas that each have their own theme. Indoors, you have a cursed Egyptian tomb theme, and outdoors you have an urban legends theme. I went Friday at opening, thinking they would have a crowd later, and was wrong, and Heather and I were sandwiched in as part of a constant stream of people. It was enjoyable, but I thought it needed a second viewing so I could pay attention to the details. Saturday night, I lucked into a time where there was a lull in patrons, so I got to go thorough completely alone. Do the second one, fewer people makes for a scarier experience.

The inside….they built an Egyptian tomb’s maze of tunnels. And it seriously feels like that, especially doing it solo with no one you can see in front of or behind you (distant screams add to the effect.) Jump scares work on me sometimes, and there are some effective ones that got me both nights, but what I need to feel fear is a sense of dread, disorientation, and isolation. They built a floor into this thing, so in spite of being very familiar with the playhouse’s layout, I had no idea where I was in respect to anything ever, it doesn’t feel like the same building at all. It feels far more like hiking through Carlsbad Caverns than walking through the local playhouse. On the second night, I actually got lost, not realizing that part of the maze changes and you’re supposed to get lost there until later. The set itself has a stunning amount of detail work and little touches, and the pacing is very good too. The use of pitch black here is great, several portions you literally can’t see anything in front of you, and there are lots of places for things to jump out at you, but they don’t use all of them, which keeps you guessing. There’s a lot going in the walls, but there are so many options that you really don’t know where anything might be coming at you from.

The outside….again a very creepy, spooky atmosphere, kinda looks like what I’d imagine Leatherface’s back yard looks like, death farm from hell. Lots of creepy stuff out here, and the characters get to interact with you a bit more, quoting lines from the movie they were in, and talking to you directly. It’s unsettling the whole way through, and there is a lot of attention to detail, such as Slenderman’s notes attached to various items, or a book I found called “Tales” that had some freaky looking stuff in it, which I looked at until a polite young lady asked me if she could borrow my eyes to play with because she didn’t have any of her own. Very different from the first haunt, but no less spooky, and more recognizable characters. If this had gone on when I was growing up, I sooooo would have begged my parents to let me participate, it’s pure good times.

I really have nothing bad to say here, other than it’s much better with fewer people around you. It’s longer than you think, and the set design is the star of the first, the makeup department and costumes are the star of the second. Throughout, the haunters do their jobs well, and it’s more creative and authentic than someone jumping out and going “Ra” (Get it? Egypt, haha!) The days of blindfolding you, putting your hand into a bowl of grapes and saying “Those are eyeballs!!!” are over. Check this one out.

(Full disclosure: I do have a daughter that performed in this production.)

Monday, October 16, 2017

Thank you to everybody who auditioned! These were some very tough choices but we are pleased to present the cast of Heaven Cent! Rehearsals begin tonight at 7:00 at 424 N. Dal Paso and will continue there until the Haunted House has cleared out of the Playhouse. (See your email or text for specific directions).

Saturday, October 14, 2017

Auditions for the George Cameron Grant play “Heaven Cent” directed by Robert Schumacher will be Saturday and Sunday the 14 & 15 at 7:00 pm at the Western Heritage Museum. Parts available for all ages, the script also specifically calls for a few teenagers!

Work continues on the Haunted House which opens next weekend. Look for your BOGO coupon in the Hobbs American Classifieds aka the Thrifty Nickel, the Hobbs News-Sun, or Noticias Del Sol. Coupon is good opening night only (October 20) so grab a friend (or two, or ten), pick up a paper and head on over for a frightfully fun trip to ancient Egypt and beyond!

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Want to get a jump on the scariest event of the Playhouse season? Get your tickets now for our annual Haunted House!!

The Community Players of Hobbs presents the 8th annual Haunted House, directed by Nathan Gibbs.

Take a trip with us to ancient Egypt and visit King Tut's tomb where trouble has been brewing amongst the pyramids. If you survive that, face your everyday fears with our second haunt exploring both popular and obscure urban legends... Are they fact or fiction? You decide...

The haunt runs October 20, 21, 27, 28, and 31 at 8:00 pm.

Tickets are just $10 and include admission to both haunts.

Get yours online in advance, print them out or we can scan them from your phone.

Good evening Playhouse fans! Some help is needed for a theatre program at Taylor Elementary October 16-20 from 8am-4pm, which is being put on as part of the 21ST CCLC Program. They are seeking an individual to provide assistance who is able to drive, help get props, etc., and who is available to work in the classroom at Taylor elementary during the day. A small stipend is available for gas and time. For more information, please email us at communityplayersofhobbs@gmail.com

The deadline for submissions for the 2018 season has been extended! Submissions are due Monday, October 9, 2017 by 5:00 pm. Please submit 3 shows for consideration, with a script and separate cover sheet/submission form for each. The form can be found at either of the links below. You can email your PDF submissions to Leigh Melton at bladez@valornet.com or contact him to make other arrangements. Directors wishing to submit a show must attend the Artistic Board meeting to present their shows and plans for production on Sunday, November 5th at 2:00 at 201 N. Thorp.

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps directed by Tyler Bunch opens this Friday, September 8th at 8 pm and continues on the 9th at 8:00 & 10th at 2:00, with three more chances to see it on the 14th, 15th, and 16th at 8:00 pm. Do you need a better reason to see it? We've got 39 reasons to see The 39 Steps and our countdown got a little off track (see #28). Here's your chance (and ours) to catch up on why you need to see this hilarious show:

1 it's funny
2 there is a really cool looking telephone
3 a fish may or may not be slapped
4 trench coats
5 Steps are good for your health
6 you don't know what 39 Steps means and you're curious
7 there are British people just like Harry Potter
8 it's an adventure!
9 toy airplanes
10 kilts. Enough said
11 old people. Who doesn't love old people?
12 a rather passionate speech about life and love
13 seriously good-looking actors
14 see reason 13. These people are gorgeous
15 because 39 is better than 24 AND 25
16 ruggedly handsome men
17 shadows. Mysterious, I know
18 the joy of live theatre
19 romance. Date night? *wink wink*
20 go back and see reasons 13 and 14. For real, they are basically supermodels
21 a street lamp for all the Narnia lovers
22 pretty underwear
23 old ladies screaming
24 there's sheep!
25 see an entire car be built in 10 seconds
26 see previous reasons 13, 14 and 20
27 German spies
28 high speed train chases
29 evil dudes missing fingers
30 PLOT TWISTS
31 bagpipe music32 go ahead and refer back to numbers 13, 14, 20 and 26. I can't express how beautiful these performers are. Come see for yourself
33 a fine, roaring fire
34 if you like Alfred Hitchcock, this is a must see
35 there are only 6 chances to see it!
36 we have puppies.
37 I lied about #36, but you can imagine the puppies
38 everyone loves a good death scene, right? It's all good fun!

"But that's only 38!" you say? Have no fear, check back tomorrow for the final reason on our list of why everybody should see this show. In the meantime, go get your tickets today!

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

The Playhouse production of Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps opens in just a few weeks. Adapted by Patrick Barlow and directed by Tyler Bunch, "The 39 Steps", brilliantly and hilariously recreated for the stage as the smash hit Olivier Award Winning Comedy.Follow the incredible adventures of our handsome hero Richard Hannay, complete with stiff-upper-lip, British gung-ho and pencil moustache as he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents, and, of course, devastatingly beautiful women.This wonderfully inventive and gripping comedy thriller features six fearless actors, playing 139 roles in 100 minutes of fast-paced fun and thrilling action.Show dates are September 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 (8 PM) and September 10 (2 PM). Tickets are $10 and are on sale now! Click here to get yours!To celebrate we have been counting down the days until opening night with 39 Reasons to see The 39 Steps! Each day will be a different reason, so be sure to check our Facebook page every day to see all the reasons! We're up to number 16, so if you haven't followed along, here's a good start! Want to know the rest? Follow us on Facebook or sign up for our text alerts! We will also be sending out the rest via email as opening night approaches! See you in September!39 Reasons to see The 39 Steps1 it's funny2 there is a really cool looking telephone3 a fish may or may not be slapped4 trench coats5 Steps are good for your health6 you don't know what 39 Steps means and you're curious7 there are British people just like Harry Potter8 it's an adventure!9 toy airplanes10 kilts. Enough said11 old people. Who doesn't love old people?12 a rather passionate speech about life and love13 seriously good-looking actors14 see reason 13. These people are gorgeous15 because 39 is better than 24 AND 2516 ruggedly handsome menStay tuned for more!!!!!

Sunday, July 16, 2017

Thank you everyone for coming out to the 39 Steps auditions this weekend. We had a great turnout and it was a very difficult decision. With that said, congrats to the cast! The first rehearsal will be July 24 at 7pm at the Playhouse.

Based on Disney’s Oscar-nominated film, Disney's Mulan JR. is a heartwarming celebration of culture, honor and the fighting spirit. With hit songs and a story packed with action, humor and heart, Disney's Mulan JR. brings ancient China to life with a modern sensibility.

You can pay online (click HERE), but you still must fill out and submit the registration form. IF you pay online, make sure you indicate who the payment is for, so we can match up with the registration!

Registration deadline is June 1st, 2017, and is limited to the first 35 PAID applications.

Monday, April 3, 2017

Good morning, Playhouse fans,
We will be having a board meeting at 6:00P.M. on Monday, April 3. Some topics up for discussion are proposed Playhouse events and discussion of purchasing an electronic billboard.
See you there!
Monica Russell

Saturday, April 1, 2017

Get yourself all dolled up and head down to the Playhouse tonight for a reception and special ONE NIGHT ONLY encore presentation of The Glass Menagerie. Tickets are just $10 and proceeds will go to help get the cast and crew to Lafayette, LA next week to represent NM at the AACTFest regional competition!

"The Glass Menagerie" competed at the Theatre New Mexico AACTFest 2017, and was selected to advance to regionals!

The Glass Menagerie won the following awards at the AACTFest State level: Outstanding Costume Design, Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role (Sarah Bunch), Outstanding Ensemble Performance, and Advanced to Regional Competition.

Please join us for a pre-show reception recognizing these accomplishments and help us send off the cast and crew to regionals with the best of wishes. Light refreshments will be served. Front of house will open at 8:00 pm.

Amanda Wingfield, a faded Southern belle of middle age, shares a dingy St. Louis apartment with her son Tom, in his early twenties, and his slightly older sister, Laura. Although she is a survivor and a pragmatist, Amanda yearns for the comforts and admiration she remembers from her days as a fêted debutante. She worries especially about the future of her daughter Laura, a young woman with a limp (an aftereffect of a bout of polio) and a tremulous insecurity about the outside world. Amanda is obsessed with finding a suitor (or, as she puts it, a "gentleman caller") for Laura, whose crippling shyness has led her to drop out of both high school and a subsequent secretarial course, and who spends much of her time polishing and arranging her collection of little glass animals. Pressured by his mother to help find a caller for Laura, Tom invites an acquaintance from work named Jim home for dinner.

"The Glass Menagerie" is directed by Nathan R. Miles, and will be our entry in the 2017 AACTFest competition.

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Happy New Year to everyone!
In case you missed it, the annual Playhouse Gala was held at the Western Heritage Museum on Saturday, February 4. We celebrated the 2016 season and outstanding participants, announced the 2017 season and shared some tasty hors d'oeuvres.

If you weren't able to attend, here are a few of the highlights:
~ The 2017 season is as follows:

I would like to thank Leigh Melton, Sandra Kelly Goad, Dusty Armstrong, Sarah Bunch, Carey Cleer-Lindner and Claude Jaco for serving on the gala decorating committee and Christie Harkness, Daniel Russell, Reed Armstrong and Robert Schumacher for helping set up.

Special thanks are in order for Erin Anderson, who went out of her way to help troubleshoot and problem-solve all evening, not to mention taking tons of photos! We couldn't have done it without your expertise!

Now that the gala is over, it's an official wrap on 2016, but we have an amazing 2017 season to come! See you all at the Playhouse!

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Amanda Wingfield, a faded Southern belle of middle age, shares a dingy St. Louis apartment with her son Tom, in his early twenties, and his slightly older sister, Laura. Although she is a survivor and a pragmatist, Amanda yearns for the comforts and admiration she remembers from her days as a fêted debutante. She worries especially about the future of her daughter Laura, a young woman with a limp (an aftereffect of a bout of polio) and a tremulous insecurity about the outside world. Amanda is obsessed with finding a suitor (or, as she puts it, a "gentleman caller") for Laura, whose crippling shyness has led her to drop out of both high school and a subsequent secretarial course, and who spends much of her time polishing and arranging her collection of little glass animals. Pressured by his mother to help find a caller for Laura, Tom invites an acquaintance from work named Jim home for dinner.

"The Glass Menagerie" is directed by Nathan R. Miles, and will be our entry in the 2017 AACTFest competition.

Monday, January 23, 2017

Join us as we celebrate 80 years of theatre in Hobbs and honor those who have gone above and beyond this past year to make our theater shine. This will also serve as the February board meeting. As always, the gala is open to the public!